MANILA, Philippines – The NU Bulldogs have been the kings of collegiate volleyball for over four years. Entering another title defense, the champions have their eyes set on history.
The Bulldogs will gun for their fifth straight UAAP men’s volleyball championship in Season 87, leaning on new core players to continue the glory the likes of now professional players Joshua Retamar and Nico Almendras started less than a decade ago.
“In NU, we have a solid foundation. We knew that some players will eventually graduate from the program, and then some players would come in,” NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin told Rappler in Filipino
“We have prepared ourselves to be in this position.”
Alinsunurin bared that a historic five-peat came as a massive motivation for the team throughout the offseason, especially after the departure of two-time UAAP MVP Retamar and three-time UAAP champion and last season’s Second Best Outside Spiker Almendras.
No team has bagged five straight titles in 67 years, or since the FEU Tamaraws dominated men’s volleyball from 1952 to 1958,.
“There is an extra motivation for us because of the five-peat possibility. Of course, we want that history to be with NU. The goal is always the championship, but I think it’s just sweeter this time with that chance,” he said.
“Retamar and Almendras were big losses for us, but I think the players knew what they were fighting for,” added Alinsunurin, who also coaches the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the PVL.
The Bulldogs have won Seasons 80, 81, 85, and 86, sustaining a formidable program, despite the games’ suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among the ones expected to continue carrying the cudgels for NU are Jade Disquitado, Leo Ordiales. Leo Aringo, and Alas Pilipinas player Buds Buddin.
Meanwhile, setters Greg Ancheta and Season 86 Boys’ Volleyball Finals MVP Jeffe Gallego will take over the role left by Retamar.
While the stakes are high for the Bulldogs this year, Alinsunurin believes pressure, from both the players and the coaches, is part of being in a successful program such as NU.
“[The players] do not have to exceed what Retamar and Almendras have done before. We just want them to perform well,” he said.
Alinsunurin also remained wary of its perennial rivals, the UST Golden Spikers, whose squad remained intact on top of the additions of Season 86 beach volleyball MVP Alche Gupiteo and other rookies during the offseason.
The Bulldogs took down the Golden Spikers in the past two seasons’ finals series en route to the Season 85 and 86 titles.
“This is a unique opportunity for us, since it would be three years if we faced them again in the finals this season,” Alinsunurin said. “But this will be the types of challenges we prepare for this year, and we are ready to compete.” – Rappler.com